VH1 to debut 'Dad Camp' first-time fathers reality show on May 31

By Christopher Rocchio, 05/19/2010

VH1 has announced Dad Camp, a new reality series that will follow soon-to-be first-time fathers as they receive a tutorial on how to deal with their newly-found grown-up responsibilities, will premiere Monday, May 31 at 10PM ET/PT.

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"We're really proud of Dad Camp because it shows a group of unprepared fathers-to-be how to embrace their looming responsibilities while also reminding viewers in general that parenthood is something to be taken seriously by both parents," said VH1 programming executive Jeff Olde.

"This series is just the latest example of how VH1 is expanding its storytelling formats to reflect some of the issues that confront our young adult audience."

Dad Campwill follow six young men and their pregnant girlfriends as they work with relationship expert and licensed psychologist Dr. Jeff Gardere.

The couples will all live in the same house while also attending parenting classes and intense couple and group therapy sessions. In addition, the six soon-to-be-fathers will face various challenges from Gardere that are designed to help them make lifelong commitments to their girlfriends and children.

The eight-episode series will conclude with the mothers-to-be deciding whether they want to start a family with their respective boyfriends or leave them behind and raise the babies on their own.

VH1 ordered Dad Camp in October and at the time Olde said that its format was inspired by a June message from President Barack Obama -- in which he asked fathers to "step up" and take responsibility for their children.

Dad Camp is being produced by The Biggest Loser's 3Ball production company and will be executive produced by J.D. Roth.

"With Dad Camp, we really wanted to go beyond exploring the critical role of fatherhood in today's family, and give dads something useful and tangible that they could take away," said Roth.

"We're so appreciative that VH1 was savvy enough to allow us to do a show that delved this deep into the issue, and into the hearts and minds of real people trying to solve real problems in their lives, and transform into better parents along the way."